Finally made it but I have some questions. (Colorado Springs, Fountain: spring break, coupons)

[jplmr]

We finally made our move to Fort Carson on Monday. We actually are living in Fountain. My son is enjoying his new school but upset cus this week is spring break. I decided to venture out a little and take him and our 21 month old to the zoo. I must say we all got a good work out! It was very beautifull up there. I saw two sites I would like to know what they are and how to get to them. Farther up on the mountain seems to be a castle. Is that someones house or is it open to the public and if so how do you get there. Also while standing by the elephants I could see what seem to be a beach. Does anyone have any information about that? Also on the drive home I took exit 132 off from I25, I think its called Fountain Mesa Ridge exit. Off to the right of the bridge was a lake where people were fishing. My family loves to fish. How do you get there? Are there any other good fishing places that are close? We dont mind driving 1/2 hr or so. Also do you need a fishing permitt to fish? Any other suggestions to get the kids out would be great also. Thanks!

[otowi]

1. That is the Will Rogers Shrine, built by Spencer Penrose. It is free entrance with your zoo admission, you can drive up to it from the zoo - just ask them about it when you go to the zoo. 2. Beach - maybe the Broadmoor golf courses or one of the lakes such as Quail Lake? I'm not sure. How far was it from the zoo? 3. The fishing area is part of Fountain Creek Regional Park system. To get there, exit from where you were onto highway 85 - it will be a right hand turn off of 85 very near the underpass. Further down the road is the main entrance to the part with the Nature Center. I would check before eating fish you catch there - I did hear they re-opened it, but there had been a problem several years ago where they stopped fishing due to some kind of contamination at those ponds. Fishing license - you can get that for cheap usually at someplace like Walmart or Kmart in the Sporting Goods section. We like to fish on the lakes up on Pikes Peak. Farther away, but also Eleven Mile Reservoir for fishing. If you've never driven the Pikes Peak highway to the top, that should be on your list of things to do.

[CSNative]

I wouldn't fish at Fountain Creek Regional Park. It's a nice place to go for a walk, but between the industrial chemicals released into the water a few years back, and the periodic sewage spills, it's really not a safe place to fish. A better option might be Quail Lake, which is only about 10 or 15 minutes away from Fountain. Just google maps "Quail Lake Colorado Springs" and you'll be set.

[jplmr]

Thanks for the quick replies. I did see the gates for the shrine at the zoo but didnt ask because we arrived there late and just wanted to get the zoo in. I know exactly where the nature center entrance is so we will be enjoying some walking there. Thanks for the advice about the fish. I would hate for one of us to get sick and we just got here. Are there signs on pikes peak for the fishing spots that were metioned?

[springshomeblog]

Originally Posted by jplmr

Are there signs on pikes peak for the fishing spots that were metioned?

Yes, there are signs. Pikes Peak Highway goes right by one of them - you CAN'T miss it, if you do you've probably driven off a cliff! The other one is a little off the main highway but definitely has signs. Here's more info:

City of Colorado Springs - Topic Pages

It's beautiful even if you don't fish!

Carrie

[sskkc]

Some of my kid's favorites:

Woodland Park has a Dinosaur Resource Center. Just took our kids Friday.
If the weather is nice, the North Pole is fun (but print out the online coupons before you go).
For indoor fun, Pump It Up has "open play" times.

[reginhild]

Since you are military, you can use Farish Recreation Area owned by the AF Academy. It is just past Woodland Park but very beautiful with cabins and campsites available, 4 beautiful lakes for fishing with huge boulders sticking out, and hiking trails with views of the backside of Pikes Peak.

Farish Recreation Area Link: Home Page (http://www.usafaservices.com/orc/farish.htm - broken link)

[PokerMunkee]

Glen Eyrie is also a beautiful place to check out. It's just north of Garden of the Gods. I believe they let you drive through M-F for a $5 donation.
Glen Eyrie - Glen Eyrie - Christian Camps and Conferences

[angelaluzia]

Glen Eyrie - Glen Eyrie - Christian Camps and Conferences
That sounds really nice for kids also.

[SidMute00]

Please don't waste your time at Quail Lake. The fishing isn't really choice. Eleven Mile is the spot.